Payroll Manager

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Payroll Manager, reporting to the Director, Finance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Payroll Manager is a critical member of our growing Finance team. The Payroll Manager will oversee the organization's global payroll procedures, ensuring payroll is delivered timely, accurately, efficiently and in compliance with regulations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all payroll deadlines and monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly payroll tasks
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and payroll tax obligations
• Coordinate timekeeping and payroll systems
• System maintenance support including new hire set up, tax form processing, local tax set up, timekeeping input, termination processing, garnishment processing, and verification of employment.
• Collaborate with Human Resources (HR) and accounting teams
• Oversee processing of payroll changes (e.g. new hires, terminations, raises) and system upgrades
• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely
• Understand state and federal new hire, leave of absence, and termination laws
• Produce audit reports, audit registers, and other reporting inquiries
• Resolve issues and answer payroll-related questions
• Provide support to any project related activities from Finance and HR

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required
• 5+ years of payroll processing with multi-state experience required
• In-depth understanding of payroll procedures, laws, taxes, and best practices

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with payroll software/ HRIS (e.g. Rippling) and MS Office
• Experience with audit procedures, tax, and accounting practices is preferred
• Strong interpretation of company policies and procedures in a multi-state payroll environment.
• Ability to thrive at a startup where you will have the opportunity to help create and optimize key systems and processes
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, time management and work prioritization
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Ensures confidentiality and controls access to sensitive information
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Aerospace manufacturing experience is a plus

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.